Cerambycidae – E.M.O.P.I.C

This is a large robust beetle found in the western U.S. This is actually one of the largest beetles in the collection currently and though it has no bright colors, it is still a beautiful and impressive beetle.

I would call this a long lived species, having a life span of 3-5 years…though granted most of that is spent as a larvae underground. Larvae feed on a wide variety of plant roots and at times can cause infestations.

One of my favorite aspects of this species are the saw-toothed antennae which, in my opinion, really what makes this species so cool.

I currently have a single specimen collected from Colorado in the collection. It is actually one of only a couple specimens of Prioninae currently in the collection so I’m really hoping to collect more.

Other online sources:

https://bugguide.net/node/view/18882

http://jenny.tfrec.wsu.edu/opm/displayspecies.php?pn=643

The first time I saw this species I was completely taken aback by the both the size and bold coloration. I was able to encounter quite a few while working in the wetlands of eastern Arkansas. Impressive just sitting there as well as flying.

cborer

This is an unmistakable species marked in black and white coloration. This is a relatively widespread species commonly found in more wet areas where is can be found feeding on poplars, willows, and cottonwoods. There have been cases where this species has become a pest on the trees that its larvae feed on.

When people want to see some of my favorite species in the collection this species tray is always one of the ones I pull out and people are always in awe of them. I was able to collect a few specimens for the collection, all from Arkansas.

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